Apologetics Canada Podcast

"Hey Grok, has A.I. become an idol?"This week on the AC Podcast, Andy, Wes, and Troy dive into that very question. With OpenAI enabling the creation of everything from muppets to talking babies and yeti vlogs, it's easy to marvel at the creative possibilities a few prompts can unlock.But in our awe, have we placed too much hope in A.I.?While A.I. may be the wave of the future, the team unpacks what might happen when the initial wave of intrigue inevitably crashes—and what it could leave behind in its wake.

Have you ever panicked talking about Jesus with a non-believer? You're not alone - and it doesn't have to be that way!In this episode, Andy interviews Andy Bannister, Christian apologist and author of "How to Talk About Jesus Without Looking Like an Idiot". They dive into how to have confident, respectful conversations about faith with skeptics - without the panic. If you've ever stumbled over your words or worried about sounding awkward, this conversation is here to equip and encourage.

On this week's episode of the AC Podcast, Troy and Wes sit down with artist and author Josh Nadeau of "Sword and Pencil." Josh's latest book, Room for Good Things to Run Wild: How Ordinary People Become Everyday Saints, tells a story of heartbreak, addiction, beauty, redemption, and the pursuit of holiness. Tune in as Josh unpacks how the goodness and grace of God are everything we need for life and godliness.

In this episode, Andy and Wes journey to the windswept valleys of Cappadocia, a land carved by time and witness to the resilience of early Christians. They discuss the trials faced by the early Church and how their endurance speaks into the persecution of believers today. What is persecution? Do we throw that word around too casually? Join Andy and Wes as they reflect on how the light of the persecuted church illuminates our spiritual journey today.

This week Wes and Andy are in Turkey with Christian Nurullah, their local guide and host of the YouTube channel, A Christian in Turkey. Nurullah shares part of his powerful journey from being a devout follower of Islam to becoming a committed Christian. He opens up about the misconceptions he had about Christianity, the deep personal cost of his conversion, and the daily challenges of living as an outspoken Christian in a predominantly Muslim culture.

Today, millions flock to Rome for the picturesque selfie at the Colosseum or a perfect espresso beside a fountain—rarely pausing to consider the brutal empires that built these marvels or the human suffering behind their construction. In this episode of the AC Podcast, Ben, Wes, and Andy paused filming in Trento, Italy to explore the remnants of fascism, reflect on the legacy of the Roman Empire, and explore how Christianity radically transformed one of the greatest empires the world has ever known.

This week Wes, Andy and Ben are on the road filming new episodes of the "Can I Trust the Bible?" series. While traveling they had the opportunity to visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Join the guys on their road trip podcast as they discuss the importance and challenges of uncovering history and its apologetic implications.

The culture wars that now grip North America are nothing new to Europe. In many ways, Europe is rebuilding from the ashes of multiple culture wars that have taken their toll on the church. This week on the AC Podcast, Andy Steiger sits down with Sebastian Vaduva, professor, entrepreneur, and consultant specializing in ethics, entrepreneurship, and technology, who grew up in Romania during the fall of the communist party, Sebastian knows first-hand Europe's failures and the difficulty in rebuilding a family, church, and society.

In this episode, Andy, Wes, and Ben find themselves in Rome filming new episodes of Can I Trust the Bible?—just as the world reacts to the passing of Pope Francis. While visiting the Vatican during this historic moment, the trio reflects on the shared roots of Protestantism and Catholicism, and explore what the future might hold as the College of Cardinals prepares to elect a new Pope.

In this episode, Troy, Ben, Steve, and Andy unpack the question of where Jesus went after His death. Did He descend to Sheol? Hades? Hell? And why does it matter? Through the lens of passages like 1 Peter 3, they explore the theology of the afterlife, the purpose of Christ's suffering, and the hope His resurrection brings. This is a deep dive into the tension between death and victory — and what it means for us today.

Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia, joins us to share how a deep dive into philosophy, literature, and the Bible led him from agnosticism to a surprising embrace of the Christian faith. In a world drowning in information, Larry unpacks his journey toward truth, the role of skepticism, and why preserving great books still matters. Plus, he gives us a glimpse into his latest projects—including a book on the existence of God.

"All of my friends who have kids are in hell!" That's what pop artist Chappell Roan recently claimed in an interview—but is raising a family really a path to misery? In a world that often prioritizes personal autonomy over community and connection, is parenting still worth it? This week on the AC Podcast, Andy, Troy, Ben, and Lindsay dive into the challenges and joys of raising children in an individualistic age. Join the conversation as we explore what makes parenting meaningful—and why it might just be more rewarding than the world lets on.

Friendship is more than just companionship—it's a God-given gift designed to shape, challenge, and encourage us in our faith. In this episode, Steve Kim and [Your Name] explore the theology of friendship, looking at biblical examples like David and Jonathan, Ruth and Naomi, and Jesus and His disciples. What makes a friendship truly biblical? How can we cultivate deep, Christ-centered relationships in a world of surface-level connections?

Live from the Apologetics Canada Conference: Theology of Technology, Andy Steiger sits down with Ruslan, a content creator who amplifies expert voices while navigating the tension of not being the expert himself.They explore the power of humility, collaboration, and trust in building meaningful content that uplifts others and glorifies God. Whether you're a creator, leader, or passionate about sharing truth, this episode will equip you to steward your platform well.

The Apologetics Canada Conference: Theology of Technology was a sold-out success! In this episode of AC Podcast, the Quad—Andy, Steve, Wes, and Troy—sit down to recap the highs, the surprises, and the unforgettable moments from our 13th annual conference. From unpredictable situations to powerful takeaways, we reflect on what made this year's event so special.

Dr. Frank Turek, founder and president of CrossExamined.org, has faithfully served in apologetics for over 30 years. While speaking across the US and Canada, he has seen a lot and gained a wealth of experiences. On this week's episode of the AC podcast, Andy and Frank discuss how culture is currently shifting, presenting new obstacles and opportunities.

The AC team got exclusive after-hours access at the Museum of the Bible—standing in front of the Megiddo Mosaic, one of the most groundbreaking archaeological finds since the Dead Sea Scrolls! Why is this discovery so significant? And what does it mean for biblical history? Join Wes, Andy, and our new Maritimes Director Ben Macdonald as they unpack this incredible find in our latest podcast episode!

Allie Beth Stuckey is an American conservative commentator that hosts the Relatable podcast. More than a public figure, Allie is a wife, mother, and follower of Jesus. On this episode of the AC Podcast she joins Andy Steiger and Wes Huff to discuss her journey through an identity crisis to committed follower of Jesus and how it ignited a passion for politics.

"Does the Bible Endorse Slavery?!"Although Christianity played a pivotal role in the abolition of slavery, we do find slavery in the Bible and examples of theologians who owned slaves. So how do we make sense of this? This is a question the AC team has received for years. Join Troy, Andy, and Wes as they unpack this complex and often misunderstood topic through examining Scripture and the character of God.

Hollywood has long been home to generations of stars who have shaped the entertainment industry—from sitcoms to cult classics, comedy to controversy. But at the heart of it all are individuals in need of Jesus.This week on the AC Podcast, Wes and Andy sit down with actor, comedian, and online personality Russell Brand. Once captivated by the power of celebrity, Brand now seeks to “switch brands,” sharing his newfound faith in Jesus Christ. He opens up about how the truth of the gospel has dismantled the idols in his life, leading him to a genuine relationship with Christ, his Saviour.

We want a king! We want a king!"—a cry from 1 Samuel that has found a new voice in the modern era. "We want a leader!" shouts the culture, as it seeks to elevate individuals in both Christian and secular spaces, hoping they will lead the way to their proverbial "promised lands." With the pursuit of salvation and success dangling before us, how can believers discern whether they are called to follow or to lead? And is one truly better than the other?This week, Troy, Andy, and Steve dive into what some are calling "the cult of leadership.

On this week's episode of the AC Podcast, we answer your questions from our recent social media post query. Given the influx of new engagement with our content, the Quad decided it would be fitting to do our best to answer some apologetic related questions. So prepare yourself for rapid fire answers on your most pressing questions.

Have you ever wondered how we ended up in a world where personal feelings could become the authority for reality? Or why so many of us are on a relentless pursuit for happiness yet somehow feel more exhausted and sadder than ever? You're not alone. On this week's podcast Wes sat down with author, YouTuber, and ex-New Thoughter, Melissa Dougherty, about her upcoming book Happy Lies: How a movement you (probably) never heard of shaped our self-obsessed world.

On December 30th, 2024 the unthinkable happened, Joe Rogan had Wes Huff on his podcast! With much anticipation, the podcast was finally released on Jan 7th. Join Wes, Andy, and Steve on this week's episode of the AC podcast as they discuss the Joe Rogan Experience.

Start the new year differently. Many believers resolve to read the Bible more but find it daunting, especially if they're not natural readers. This challenge inspired Esteban Shed, co-founder of STREETLIGHTS Bible, to combine a love for Jesus and hip-hop into a groundbreaking audio Bible. What began in a basement with a CD player is now a multilingual project transforming how people engage with God's Word.

Many people agree that our culture is getting more and more polarized. So much so, in fact, we often don't even get to the point of disagreeing with someone else. We write one another off and refuse even to hold a conversation. In this kind of cultural climate, what can we do to prevent, or even remedy this stalemate? Steve sat down with Dr. Tim Muehlhoff of the Winsome Convictions project to discuss the latest book he co-wrote with his colleague, Dr. Sean McDowell.

As we prepare for Christmas, the team at AC sat down to discuss the significance of the incarnation. Why is Jesus' birth so important and worth celebrating? Christian doctrine has always held that Jesus' birth is of incredible theological importance. Baby Jesus sets the stage for not only his life and death but how we are to understand the very nature of who God is and who we are in light of that. In this week's episode of the AC Podcast, The Quad explores the importance of Jesus' infancy and why the miracle of Immanuel matters for all of humanity—from the cradle (or manger) to the grave.

Back in October AC's very own Wes participated in an online debate with the globally known ancient aliens and New Age proponent, Billy Carson. What could have otherwise been a relatively normal event has turned into somewhat of a fiasco, with Billy attempting to suppress the footage and even going as far as to threaten to sue Wes! On this week's episode the quad: Andy, Troy, Steve, and Wes, sat down to reveal the story behind the story.

On this week's episode of the AC Podcast, Troy sits down with Brian Mosley, President of RightNow Media, a Bible-based, video content platform created for the purpose of discipling people on their faith journey. With the entertainment world driven by visual content. How can the church create high art, great content without compromising the gospel message? What does it look like to create safe spaces for the church to engage in multiple faith-based conversations without straying from core beliefs? Listen to this week's episode as Troy and Brian discuss these questions and more.

We all know that charity is good but it can be done badly. How do we wisely engage the complicated issues of our world in a way that leads to real human flourishing? It's amazing to see what's possible when Jesus inspires both our heart and mind guided by the Holy Spirit. On this episode of the AC Podcast, Andy Steiger sits down with Kim Tan to discuss how a Christian can be both good hearted and smart minded.

This week on the AC Podcast, we recap our final major event of the year—the Apologetics Canada Conference: Can I Trust the Bible? Held at Glad Tidings Church in Burlington, Ontario, the conference brought together the entire AC team and over 300 attendees for a weekend of engaging sessions. As always, the Q&A segments were a highlight, though time didn't allow us to address every question. In this episode, the team tackles some of the notable questions submitted by attendees.

Is Christian history the deepest explanation of the modern world? Today in the west, many consider the church to be dead or dying. Christianity is seen as outdated, bigoted and responsible for many of society's problems. This leaves many believers embarrassed about their faith and many outsiders wary of religion. But what if the Christian message is not the enemy of our modern Western values, but the very thing that makes sense of them? In this episode Glen Scrivener engages in a conversation with Wesley Huff live at the AC Conference: "Can I Trust the Bible?" in Burlington Ontario. Glen shares how the story of how the teachings of Jesus not only turned the ancient world upside down, but continue to underpin the way we think of life, worth, and meaning. Far from being a relic from the past, the distinctive ideas of Christianity, such as freedom, kindness, progress and equality, are a crucial part of the air that we breathe.

For as long as the Christian faith has existed, interpretations of biblical doctrine have varied from one church to the next. But there's a significant difference between contextual interpretations of non-salvific issues and the outright teaching of false doctrine or a false gospel. So, what happens when someone's teachings seem to fall somewhere between orthodoxy and heterodoxy, if that's even possible? This week on the AC Podcast, Troy, Andy, and Wes discuss the complexities of "Calling Out False Teachers" and explore what it means to defend the faith with grace, authority, and, when needed, a touch of nuance.

Humanity has certainly accomplished remarkable feats through science and engineering. But how do these very useful human enterprises work? Do they stand by themselves or do they need something more? Andy, Steve, and Wes are back for a continued discussion on the dialogue between Richard Dawkins and Jordan Peterson as they delve into the “myth” of science in this week's edition of the AC Podcast.

The now-famous Canadian Psychologist Jordan Peterson recently released a discussion he had with prominent atheist Richard Dawkins (moderated by YouTuber Alex O'Connor - aka Cosmic Skeptic). Titled "Memes and Archetypes: Dawkins vs. Peterson," a prominent portion of the discussion focused around whether Peterson actually believes supernatural events like the virgin birth and resurrection actually took place. Andy, Steve, and Wes sat down for this week's podcast to comment on their conversation, specifically addressing the question: does it matter if we actually believe these biblical events happened if their archetypal significance reigns supreme?

One of the most challenging and often overlooked topics in the church is sexual integrity. This week on the AC Podcast, Troy sits down with Bryan and Bonnie Pue, founders of "The Union Movement" and AC Adjunct speakers. From purity culture to today's views on sexual identity, Bryan and Bonnie share their testimony and their passion for Jesus and His Word as they engage a confused and hurting culture. Ministry is a family affair for them, and in this episode, they offer a glimpse into their journey of faith and ministry.

"Lights, camera, action—cue the egregious blood splatter!" Increasingly, films rely heavily on shockingly, and often grotesque, depictions of violence—ranging from mutilations to various forms of assault. What is equally shocking is how some Hollywood actors and filmmakers, who portray these graphic scenes, can be so hypocritical when they condemn real-world violence. On this week's episode, Troy and Andy are joined by filmmaker Sam McLoughlin, a friend of AC, to discuss the entertainment of violence and what it says about us. 

In a recent email we received the question, "Why can't we add books to the Bible today?” On this week's podcasts Wes and Andy sat down to talk about what the biblical canon really is, why its authors matter, and why the Bible's table of contents is in fact a closed case.

Rock star Bon Jovi has received much media attention lately. Seeing a woman standing on the edge of a bridge, he cared enough to talk her out of jumping. She eventually came over the railing and received a big hug from him. Bon Jovi's kindness was praised and resonated deeply with many. Yet, this heroic act of kindness also inadvertently reveals a culture deeply at odds with itself. Join Andy, Steve, and Troy as they discuss how our culture simultaneously champions those who want to end their life and those who talk people out of it.  

You may have heard the gospel many times but can you put the good news of Jesus into your own words? How do you personally explain what salvation is? Some people are intimidated to share the gospel in fear that there's a right or wrong way. Yes, there is wrong doctrine but is there a right way to share the gospel? In the New Testament, the gospel is explained in many different ways. Jesus had a simple yet profound way of teaching what he offered. This week on the AC Podcast, "The Quad" discusses New Testament approaches and their own personal way of sharing the gospel.

Parenting comes with responsibilities. On that much, just about everyone can agree. But how should we hold parents responsible for the crimes of their children? And to what end? Such questions are being raised again in the wake of yet another school shouting in the US, this time in Georgia. Using this incident as a springboard, Andy, Steve, and Troy jump into a discussion about parenting, responsibility, birth rates, the State and other related cultural issues in this week's edition of the AC Podcast.

In some circles, there has been a recent increase in the awareness of the importance of Judaeo-Christian values for the Western civilization. From the abolition of slavery to the rise of modern science, these values have played a foundational role. But what do you do with slavery in the Bible? What do you do with Paul's teaching against women teaching men? What about the Church's opposition to Galileo? Andy, Steve, and Wes are back this week as they continue to offer their reactions to the dialogue between Alex O'Connor and Ben Shapiro.

Are you freely choosing to read this? Or did something else cause you to do this very thing at this very moment, whether you liked it or not? Most people would say yes to the first part of this question, thinking that this is self-evident. After all, you could stop reading this if you wanted to. But what if, foundationally, this world is made up of nothing more than colliding particles? What if that sense of choice you have is nothing but a (very convincing) illusion? What does that mean for our lives? What does that mean for you reading this at this very moment? Join Andy, Steve, and Wes as they discuss the everyday consequences of a world made up of mere particles.

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a well-known term today, but it comes with complexities, nuances, and the potential for misuse on all sides. The conversation around CRT is revealing that it's a much larger global issue than many may have realized. In this week's episode of the AC Podcast, Troy and Andy interview South African Pastor and PhD student Johan Erasmus. Tune in to hear how Johan's upbringing and his PhD studies in race and reconciliation provide an essential perspective on this worldwide issue.

Faithful Christian living requires that we treat the Bible seriously. If the Bible really is the word of God as Christians believe it to be, then to take the Bible lightly means to take God lightly. But what does this “serious reading” look like when we actually sit down with a Bible in hand? Should we read it literally or should we read it literarily? What is a metaphor? How does it work and how does it impact the way we read God's word? Andy, Wes, and Steve are back this week on the AC Podcast to discuss these questions and more.

If you're a Christian, you've likely participated in The Lord's Supper. If you're not, but have visited a church before, maybe you've seen it being done. Despite denominational differences within Christianity, two sacraments (or ordinances, if you prefer) remain at the centre of Christian worship and practice: Communion and baptism. But what is actually accomplished when these ordinances are carried out? What might be the differences in practice and understanding? Do they matter? Andy, Steve, and Wes come together on this week's episode to share their thoughts and experiences on the significance and differences of the sacraments, particularly Communion.

There's nothing quite like an international sports gathering to capture the world's attention. Just a week into the Paris 2024 Olympics and the world is already buzzing about several controversies, most notably the Opening Ceremony. While it was said to be a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, many feel it made a mockery of the Christian faith with its provocative depiction of Da Vinci's Last Supper. This has prompted many to question the Olympic committee's agenda, and sadly, has highlighted a divide among believers regarding whether or not we should be offended or even surprised by paganistic practices.

Our Father, who art in Heaven, are these prayers worth my time? This week on the AC Podcast, we delve into the practice and privilege of communing with God through prayer. This episode is inspired by a listener's email asking: "Do our prayers affect things? Should we pray for specific outcomes? Does praying for someone's healing make a difference? If prayer influences events, what are the qualifiers? If God answers 'small' prayers, shouldn't He also answer the 'big' ones?"Join Troy, Andy, and Wes as they explore these profound questions and share their thoughts on the power and purpose of prayer.

Ready to step into the spotlight? The stage has always been a place of both glory and danger, where public opinion, fame, fortune, and even risk come into play. It's been said that the stage is the most dangerous place for a human heart. But how do we navigate this challenging arena with grace and wisdom?This week on our podcast, join Troy, Steve, and special guest Max Chadwick, AC's talented filmmaker, as they delve into the art of navigating opportunity, voice, and platform with the gentleness and timing exemplified by Jesus. 

Is there one true God in three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Is Jesus truly God and truly Man? Can God make a mistake?The answers to these basic questions of the Christian faith seem straightforward enough to many Christians. Yet, there are also many who profess to be Christians who are not sure. What is the current status of theological beliefs among Christians in Canada? Andy had a chance to sit down with his good friend Rev. Dr. Andrew Bennett from Cardus to talk about the recent study they completed on this question. Listen in on their conversation as they talk about the findings and the trends we are seeing.

Carl Lentz is the former lead pastor from Hillsong New York. Along with pastoring one of the most notable churches in the world he was also well-known for being the spiritual advisor to celebrities like Justin Bieber. However, in 2020, the leadership at Hillsong let Lentz go on the grounds of a very public and messy moral failing. Recently, Lentz and his wife have come forward in their podcast "Lights On" to discuss things. On this week's podcast, Troy, Andy, and Wes got together to talk about the Lentz conversation and discuss the topic of reconciliation in light of leadership failing and the overall message of the gospel.